A hush falls over the misty forest of Nusa Penida. Light rain weaves silver threads through the canopy. From the hush of the foliage, a flash of white breaks the green—a bird glides in, landing with effortless precision on a spiny trunk. It’s a striking bird with brilliant white feathers, a deep blue leathery patch around its dark eyes, and black-tipped wings and tail. Moments later, its companion arrives. They perch facing in opposing directions, luminous against the dark bark and dripping leaves. One raises its crest and sings. The other turns inward, preening damp feathers with a rhythmic calm. These are Bali starlings, among the rarest birds on earth.
Species: Bali Starling
Also Known As: Bali myna, jalak Bali, Rothschild’s mynah
The Bali starling was first described to science in 1912, but fewer than 6 individuals survived in the wild by 2001, following catastrophic losses from habitat destruction and illegal poaching for the songbird trade. Now, the critically endangered bird is making a comeback from the brink of extinction in the wild, thanks to a combination of conservation approaches. The last 30 years of conservation has included establishing protected lands, market-based approaches, and partnerships with Indigenous communities in Bali and Nusa Penida that established permanent refuges for reintroduction. As a result, the rare and symbolic birds have become critical sources of eco-tourism dollars for many villages.
The Bali starling’s tale is one of incredible recovery. Today, through collective community efforts focused on safeguarding and conserving the species in its natural habitat, the Bali starling is being restored from a captive possession to a creature stewarded by local communities. These communities act as protectors of the bird’s unique cultural and spiritual value, enabling its revival in the wild. As of the most recent population survey in October 2021, there were approximately 420 wild Bali starlings living in Bali Barat National Park, according to standardized counts conducted by park staff, and another approximate 100 individuals are estimated to live on Nusa Penida.
Range & Habitat
- Origin: Endemic to the island of Bali, Indonesia. The Bali starling is the only endemic vertebrate on the island, making it uniquely important to local biodiversity. Balinese culture also reveres the bird’s white plumage as a symbol of purity and a link between the divine and earthly worlds.
- Range: Natural range is extremely limited and restricted primarily to the northwest part of Bali, specifically within the Bali Barat (West Bali) National Park and surrounding areas. Ex-situ conservation populations are being established on Nusa Penida island.
- Habitat: Lowland forests and open woodlands, areas with a mix of savanna, forest edges, shrubland, and grassland
Quick Facts About the Bali Starling
- Order: Passeriformes (perching berds)
- Family: Strunidaae (starlings)
- Genus: Leucopsar
- Species: Leucopsar rothschildi
- Diet: Fruit, seeds, insects, earthworms, nectar, small reptiles
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Weight: 2 to 4 ounces
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years in the wild
- Sexual Maturity: 1 year
- Natural Predators: Snakes, eagles, hawks, lizards
Mating
- Mating System: Monogamous long-term pair bonds
- Mating Season: Bali’s rainy season, November through April
- Courtship Displays: Males raise crest feathers, perform loud calls and bob. Pairs mutually groom feathers.
Reproduction
- Nesting Habits: In tree cavities, often holes excavated by woodpeckers, about 4 to 10 meters off the ground. They line old woodpecker holes or artificial nests with twigs, grass, and leaves
- Broods: 2 to 4 pale blue eggs per clutch, up to 3 broods per season
- Incubation: 12- to 15-day incubation period
- Offspring: Often 1 chick survives per brood
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
(Last assessed by IUCN 2021)
- Key Threats: The primary threats to the Bali starling’s survival include habitat destruction and poaching for the illegal songbird trade. Poaching drove the Bali starling to near extinction by the mid-1990s, with fewer than 10 individuals left in the wild. Today, an estimated 2 to 4 times more exist in captivity than in the wild.
- Conservation Efforts: Once nearly extinct in the wild, this symbolic songbird is showing promising signs of recovery thanks to a combination of conservation efforts with breeders, local citizens, temple leaders, and communities in Bali and surrounding islands. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring its habitat within Bali, as the species does not naturally disperse to other regions.
Wildlife Snapshot: Bali Starling
The story of the Bali starling is rich with cultural and ecological nuance. See this infographic guide to the Bali starling for a quick digest of the species’ key traits, conservation status, and importance to Balinese culture.
Coloring Sheet & Activities for Kids
Click below to download free, fun activities and coloring sheets for kids to enjoy and learn more about endangered species like the Bali starling!
Printing tip: These pages are designed for 8.5″ x 11″ (Letter) size paper, standard in U.S. printers. Select “Fit to page” (or similar) in your printer dialog menu to ensure all the contents are printed. Choose “Point on Both Sides” or “Print 2-Sided” to reduce paper waste.
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